Killer loses appeal over brutal torture sentence

JUDGES RULE 37-YEAR JAIL TERM WAS NOT EXCESSIVE

- DAMON WILKINSON

A KILLER who ambushed, tortured and murdered a dad-of-two has lost a bid to appeal against his 37-year prison term.

Reece Steven was one of three people jailed over the July 2022 killing of Thomas Campbell in Mossley, Tameside.

The 38-year-old was tortured to death in his own home after being ambushed by armed men in what was described as a 'robbery of a drug dealer by other drug dealers'.

He was tied up, stabbed and beaten for two hours as his killers ransacked his home in search of valuables, cash or drugs.

Mr Campbell, a convicted drug dealer who was said to have played an 'integral' part in an organised crime gang, suffered at least 61 separate injuries.

He was left for dead in his hallway before being found by a neighbour the next morning, bound with duct tape and naked apart from a pair of socks.